NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) -- Drought conditions have deepened over the mountain region of eastern Tennessee and parts of the central region of the state, but it's summer as usual west of the Tennessee River.

A report prepared by National Weather Service senior hydrologist Brian Boyd in Morristown said extreme drought conditions now exist in the region that includes the Smoky Mountains.

Across the state line, the eastern half of Clay County, N.C., is described as being in exceptionally dry condition.

Boyd said an area of moderate drought covers the northern Cumberland Plateau.

Nashville had only a trace of precipitation during the first 19 days of the month, making for the driest start to August in 60 years.

No widespread fire, water supply or navigation effects have been reported.

The outlook for the rest of August calls for near normal temperatures and rainfall.

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